Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Guest Feature: Robin of Something Nice Designs

I'd like to introduce you all to Robin Sheldon! She is a wonderfully talented illustrator and designer for her own line of prints, cards and more Something Nice Designs. She also does wedding design and planning with her family. This girl can do it all! I've been dying to know more about her creative life, so I decided to ask her some questions and share them with you guys.

Without further ado...

1. Tell is a little bit about yourself.

I
am an Illustration and Design major from Minneapolis College of Art and
Design. I come from south east Wisconsin, but currently reside in
Minneapolis, MN. I have been surrounded by art my whole life. My parents
are both high school art teachers and my brother is an
illustrator/animator. And now if that's not enough my best friend/fiance
is also an illustrator. I have always loved making crafts, using
stamps, and found my love for making art on the computer at a very early
age.

2. How did you get started illustrating and designing for your shop Something Nice Designs?

Well
after college and job hunting my mom and I decided that this was the
time in our lives to take the time and chance of starting our own shop.
It stemmed from my senior project where I made illustrated products and
set up a mini shop.We are just beginning and are very excited for future art fairs and business ventures.

3. I know you grew up in quite the creative family, so what was it
like growing up in that environment? And how do you like working with
your family? :)

Haha this
is in my intro, I should have read ahead ;) ! Well it was pretty
amazing. I had endless supplies of stamps, markers, pens, glues, art
cd-rom's, and more. I really pull from my early childhood
of doodling Wisconsin prairies on our camping trips and sketching
at all the different art museums my parents took me to. I
feel incredibly lucky to live in a family that appreciates art so much.
And working with them has be amazing so far. :)

4. As designers, we are always evolving our creative style.
Describe how your style of illustration has evolved to what it is today.

Wow.
It's funny because this is so true. After my first year in college my
art was nothing like it was in high school, and my last year there my
work had finally started looking finished and professional. But even
since graduating I have evolved into making better compositions, color
choices, and starting collections. I hope to keep evolving and really
work on my character designs and type!

5. Where do you find creative inspiration?

I really
love looking at other illustrators/designers works and their process.
There are so many talented ones out there that inspire me to try new
things. I also love going to local coffee shops. I love living in a city
that has so many coffee houses with completely different feels and
filled with interesting people and spaces.

6. Do you have any advice for other people wanting to start their career in graphic design/illustration?

Network. I can't believe how inspiring and helpful it has been connecting with people. Plus it feels great to get feedback.

7. You have also done some work for weddings. How did that start and what's your favorite part of being involved in that realm?

I have done work for three
weddings now. It honestly started with friends being super supportive of
me and giving me a chance to do things for their weddings. I have made
custom invites, table cards, signs, thank you notes, and decorations. I
was even a wedding planner for one. My favorite part has been probably
the custom invites, I love capturing the couples personalities!

Thanks so much Robin for letting us in on your world and sharing your advice! So great to know more about you!